To change the boot order or any other firmware settings, you need to access BIOS or UEFI. Here’re the exact steps to get to BIOS or UEFI from Windows 10.
To change firmware settings like the boot order, secure boot, ram speed, voltage, etc., you need to open the BIOS or UEFI settings. For example, if you want to boot from a bootable USB drive, you have to first change the boot order in the BIOS settings. Otherwise, it will boot directly into Windows 10, assuming that you have it installed.
Generally, every motherboard or laptop manufacturer has their own way to access BIOS or UEFI. This makes it very awkward to access the firmware. This is especially true for those with little to no experience. However, to make this easier, you can get to BIOS or UEFI directly from Windows 10 using the advanced startup options. This eliminates the need to know the specific key combinations to press to access UEFI or BIOS.
So, in this quick and simple guide, let me show the steps to get to BIOS or UEFI in Windows 10.
Note: Before proceeding with the below steps, save your work as you are going to restart the system
How to Open BIOS or UEFI from Windows 10 Settings
The Windows 10 settings app and the advanced startup options allow you to quickly open the BIOS or UEFI. All you have do is select the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option in the advanced restart menu. Here are the exact steps you should follow to do that.
- Access the Settings app by pressing the “Win + I” key binding.
- Go to the “Update & Security” page.
- Now, select the “Recovery” tab on the left panel.
- Click the “Restart now” button “Advanced startup” section.
- After restarting you will see the Advanced Startup screen. Here, select “Troubleshoot” option.
- Select “Advanced Options” in the troubleshooting menu.
- Now, select the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.
- Finally, click on the “Restart” button.
As soon as you click the restart button, Windows will restart the system and forces the computer to open the BIOS or UEFI firmware screen. Once you are here, you can make the necessary changes and restart the system. When you restart the system, it will automatically boot into Windows.
Press & Hold Power Button for 4 Seconds
The other easiest way to open the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings screen is by using the system power button. When I say the system power button, I’m talking about the power button on your CPU tower or on the laptop. Follow the steps as directed below.
- First, completely shut down the system. You can do that by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting the “Shutdown or sign out → Shutdown” option.
- After shutting down the system, press and hold the power button for four seconds.
- Your computer will automatically start and opens the BIOS or UEFI screen.
That is all. Once you are here, you can make the necessary changes and restart the system. When you restart the system, it will automatically boot into Windows.
Note: Do keep in mind that though the above method works on most desktop computers and laptops, it might not work for you depending on the system manufacturer. In that case, follow the first method or consult the manual to know the exact key you need to press to open the UEFI firmware settings.
I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. When it comes to UEFI, these articles might help you: How to find the UEFI firmware version and How to see if Windows 10 is running on BIOS or UEFI.
